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{{for|the Indian caste|Vishwakarma (caste)}}
'''Viśwákarman''' ({{lang-sa|विश्वकर्मा}} is the Family Name or Surname from the ] (in Nepal: Dalit) community and it is also said that they are from ] in India. Those who are from this community have good position in the field of Technology as Goldschmidt, iron Schmidt as well as in the social community politics.


{{for|the architect of the gods|Vishwakarma}}
The '''Scheduled Castes''' (SCs)<ref name="List of SC">{{cite web|title=Scheduled Caste Welfare - List of Scheduled Castes|url=http://socialjustice.nic.in/sclist.php|publisher=Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|accessdate=16 August 2012}}</ref> '''and Scheduled Tribes''' (STs) are two groups of historically-disadvantaged people recognised in the ]. During the period of ].
The '''Vishwakarma''' (or '''Viśvákarma''') caste, known within the group as the '''Vishwa Brahmins''' is an ] of priests, teachers, engineers, architects, sculptors, temple builders and artists.All marvellous and beautiful buildings including ] , ] , ] , ] , ] etc etc are the wonderful creations of this blessed community.<ref>V. Annamalai Formation And Transformation Of Power In Rural India - 1996 Page 32 "They claim themselves to be desendants of five sons of Vishwakarma and hence style themselves as Viswa Brahmins.29 They have a caste association called Vishwakarma association. In the study area they are referred generally as 'Asaris'"- Page 72 "Like a few other castes, Hindu Asaris also have places of family deity which determines marriage alliances. Though locally they are called Asaris they come under the category of Kammalar Caste. The Hindu Asaris belong to Vishwakarma"</ref><ref> Sociological Bulletin -1993 Volume 42 - Page 90 "The Vishwakarma Caste: Occupations The survey of all GPs of the four fieldwork blocks registered the number of Vishwakarma households and their occupations. Of the 865 Vishwakarma households in the four blocks, on an average 93 per ..."</ref>


It includes five sub-castes: ]s, ]s, ]s, ]s and ] or ]. They identify themselves with the ''pancha jana'' ("five peoples") of the legendary ]: ], ], ], ], and ]<ref name="ghurye">{{cite book|last=Ghurye|first=Govind Sadashiv |title=Caste and class in India |year=1950|edition= Edition: 2 |pages=53}}</ref>) and worship various forms of ].<ref>Nārāyaṇaśastri Kṣirasāgara. "Three". विश्वब्रह्मकुलोत्साह;Vishwabrahmakulotsah (in Marāṭhī). p. 37.</ref> <ref>Macdonell, Arthur Anthony; Arthur Berriedale Keith. Vedic index of names and subjects. Volume 2. pp. 203, 204.</ref> <ref>Derrett, John Duncan Martin. Essays in Classical and Modern Hindu Law: Dharmaśāstra and related ideas. pp. 45, 46.</ref> The caste is associated with the placing of the holy sacrificial fire in the ].<ref>Satish Saberwal Mobile Men: Limits to Social Change in Urban Punjab 1990 - Page 110 "22 This was perhaps one of the few caste mobility movements which took a more or less parallel course throughout the ... one of the Vishvakarma castes, to perform Brahminical ceremonies, or (ii) the relative caste status of "Viswa Brahmin," "</ref>Vishwa Brahmin, Vishwakarma, Tarkhan
The ] and ] comprise about 16.6 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively, of ]{{'}}s population (or about 25.2 percent altogether, according to the ]).<ref><!-- Bot generated title --></ref>
The ''Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950'' lists 1,108 ] across 25 ] in its First Schedule,<ref></ref> and the ''Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950'' lists 744 tribes across 22 states in its First Schedule.<ref></ref>


Since independence, the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and ]es (the three categories combined constitute about 60 percent of India's population) were given ]. The reservation policy became an integral part of the Constitution through the efforts of ], who participated in the ] and fought for the rights of the oppressed and depressed classes. The Constitution lays down the general principles of affirmative action for SCs and STs.


== History == ==Origin==
Since the 1850s these communities were loosely referred to as ] ("original inhabitants"). The early 20th century saw a flurry of activity in the Raj assessing the feasibility of responsible self-government for India. The ], ] and the ] were several initiatives in this context. A highly-contested issue in the proposed reforms was the reservation of seats for representation of the Depressed Classes in provincial and central legislatures.


According to traditional belief, Vishwakarma are descended from five sons of lord Vishwakarma: Manu, Maya, Twashtha, Silpi, and Vishwajnya.
In 1935 the ] passed the ], designed to give Indian provinces greater self-rule and set up a national federal structure. The reservation of seats for the Depressed Classes was incorporated into the act, which came into force in 1937.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Government of India Act of 1935|url=http://www.ambedkar.org/News/reservationinindia.pdf}}</ref> The Act introduced the term "Scheduled Castes", defining the group as "such castes, races or tribes or parts of groups within castes, races or tribes, which appear to His Majesty in Council to correspond to the classes of persons formerly known as the 'Depressed Classes', as His Majesty in Council may prefer".<ref>{{cite web|title=Scheduled Communities: A social Development profile of SC/ST's (Bihar, Jharkhand &amp; W.B)|url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/reports/sereport/ser/stdy_scmnty.pdf}}</ref> This discretionary definition was clarified in ''The Government of India (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1936'', which contained a list (or Schedule) of castes throughout the British-administered provinces.
The community is spread widely throughout India and played a vital role in the village economy. Their socioeconomic status varied from a very high level to the low level in different parts of India, as they earned high wages in towns because of their factory employment and low wages in villages. About Vishwabrahmins, Ananda K. Coomaraswamy says "the Kammalar (i.e. Panchal) were known as Vishwa or Dev Brahmana. They spread gradually towards the south and then reached Ceylon, Burma & Java. The Vishwabrahmins claim to have been the spiritual guides and priests and their position in the society survives in the saying the 'Vishwabrahmana is guru to the world'".
They also perform priestly rites in connection with consecration of images. They both claim and possess various special privileges, which they always upheld with much vigour, He also mentions "throughout the rest of ceremony all priest officers had been performed by the craftsman themselves acting as Brahman priest".
Dr. Krishna Rao says, "The most highly organized & efficient of the industrial classes was Virpanchal comprising Goldsmiths, coiner blacksmiths, carpenters and masons. In the finest period of Indian art, particularly between eighth and ninth century, they claimed and enjoyed a social status in the community, equal to Brahmans. The art of engraving & sculpture had attained a high stage of development. It was exclusively cultivated by Panchals who wore sacred thread & considered themselves as Vishwakarma Brahmans. The craftsman being deeply versed in national epic literature always figured in the history of India as missionaries of civilization, culture & religion. The intellectual influence being creative & not merely assimilative was at least as great as that of the priest and the author".
Panchal are known as the missionaries of civilization, culture and religion because they spread the Hindu religion to the whole world through their art, which included stone and ceramics, musical instruments, religious statuary, and metal-work. Ernest B. Havell says, “The northern quarter of (Patliputra) was assigned to Brahmans and certain of the higher craftsman such as the armorers, ironsmiths and workers in precious stones. The association of skilled craftsmen with the Brahman and the Kshatriya castes is additional evidence that craftsmanship did not hold an inferior status in Indo Aryan society." The stapathi or master builder is described in the Shilpa Shastra as officiating at religious ceremonies which preceded the laying out of the Indo Aryan town or village and some of the metal workers and carpenters of the south of India still retains as their caste indication the name Acharya which denotes a teacher of religion.
The Vedic lineage made them to create their own priesthood within their community. They wear five layer sacred thread while engage in creative works (yajna) and at time of marriage and funeral. However because of Chathurvarnya in the medieval period, their social status which was previously equal to that of the Brahmins had gone down. Brahmin political manoeuvrings diminished the social status of the Vishwakarma, though they fought against this Brahmin superiority.


==Rishis and gotras==
After independence the ] continued the prevailing definition of Scheduled Castes and Tribes, giving (via articles 341 and 342) the president of India and governors of the states a mandate to compile a full listing of castes and tribes (with the power to edit it later, as required). The complete list of castes and tribes was made via two orders: ''The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950''<ref></ref> and ''The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1958'',<ref></ref> respectively.


] created five prajapathies — from his five faces such as sadyojatham, vamadevam, akhoram, isanam, oordham . They are Manu, Maya, Twosta, Silpy, Viswajna and their respective Rishis (gotras) are,
==Vishwakarma Puja==
*Sanaga Brahma Rishi
]
*Sanaathana Brahma Rishi
*Abhuvanasa Brahma Rishi
*Prathnasa Brahma Rishi
*Suparnasa Brahma Rishi


Vishwakarma ] are divided into five ]s (or clans); each ]'s name is mentioned in the '']''(4.3.3). <ref name=Rangasami>{{cite book |last=Kashyap|first=Rangasami Laksminarayana |authorlink=Rangasami L. Kashyap |year=2003 |title=Kr̥ṣṇayajurvedīya Taittirīya-saṃhitā |accessdate=July 30, 2012 |isbn=8179940055}}</ref>
Since Vishwakarma is the ] engineer of the world. As a mark of reverence, he is not only worshiped by the engineering and architectural community but also by all professionals. It is customary for craftsmen to worship their tools in his name.
In later puranas he is sometimes identified with vedic Tvastr. Silpi Vishwakarma is the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons and divine attributes. Vishwakarma/Tvostar is also credited with creating the missiles used in the mythological era, including the Vajra, the sacred weapon of Lord Indra, from the bones of sage Dadhichi. He is regarded as the supreme worker, the very essence of excellence and quality in craftsmanship.
In Mahabharata and Harivamsa, Viswakarma is the son of Vasu Prabhasa and Yoga-siddha. The Mahabharata describes him as "The Lord of the Arts, Executor of a thousand Handicrafts, the Carpenter of the Gods, the most eminent of Artisans, the Fashioner of all ornaments ... and a great architect God..." In paintings he wears a crown and a large amount of gold jewelry and holds a water-pot, a book, a noose, and craftsman's tools in his hands.
In some other Puranas he is the father of Barhishmatî and Samjna. The Ramayana represents him as having built the island-city of Lanka for the Shiva, and as having generated the ape Nala, who made Rama's bridge from the continent to the island.


==Subdivisions==
Silpy Vishwakarma is attributed a putative birthday by the Hindu religion. The more philosophical minded argue that it is impossible for the original Creator of everything to be born on a particular day. In rig veda he is described as Swayambhu<ref>Yo na pita janitha yo vidata , Rig veda</ref> So it is a contradiction in terms since that presupposes another creator for Vishwakarma. The Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated in all parts of ], especially in ] ] ] ].
The caste consists of five sub-castes: carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, brass smiths, and goldsmiths.<ref name="Ramaswamy2007">{{cite book|last=Ramaswamy|first=Vijaya|title=Historical dictionary of the Tamils|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=H4q0DHGMcjEC&pg=PA107|accessdate=16 January 2012|year=2007|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-5379-9|pages=107–108}}</ref>
==Panchal Movement to Reclaim Brahminical Right==


"Panchals have the Brahmanic sanskars, or sacraments, and perform their ceremonies according to the Vedic Ritual. Frequent attempts were made in the days preceding British rule to deny them the rights to these Brahmanic privileges; but when the decision of pandits, or religious advisers when referred to, was in their favor." - James Hastings
Even among those who believe that there is a birthday there is no agreement as to when it actually occurs. Visvakarma birthday is celebrated on two days under different names:
Though the Panchals, also known as VishwaBrahmins, held great importance in olden times, some Brahmins refused to accept Panchals as being Brahmins. This refusal led to a feud between the two groups. During Peshwa Brahminical rule, the Panchals suffered much. The Panchals were not even allowed to tie the dhoti - a cloth worn between legs and around the waist - a mark of Brahminical rank.
* ''Rishi Panchami Dinam''. "Rishi Panchami Dinam" literally means ‘the day of the solidarity of five rishis.’ Those who celebrate this day believe that Vishwakarma did not have a birthday like the mortals but only a commemoration day in which his five children (supposedly five ''rishis'') came together to declare their solidarity and pray to their illustrious father. This day follows the rules of the ] and changes with every year. The five groups among the Vishwakarma community also celebrate this as an auspicious day in commemoration of their patron god at present.<ref>Achary, Subramanian Matathinkal (1995).</ref>
The Peshwas belonged to the Chitpavan Brahmin caste and were actually late migrants to India, having arrived from the Middle East and Central Asia. The Peshwas competed with the Panchals, who saw themselves as being the original Brahmins and first builders of the Aryan Vedic civilization.
* ''Visvakarma Jayanthi''. Vishwakarma Jayanthi is celebrated by all industrial houses, ], ], and ]. The festival is observed on the ] (September 17) which follows the ] ''Puja''. It was on this particular day that the forefathers of the present Visvakarma people invented the plough and gifted it to humanity. The plough represents both the artisan trade as well as agriculture and therefore becomes the representative symbol of the ancient Indian civilisation. It changed the course of human history altogether. This was a change from ‘local mob culture to universal human culture’ and Vishwakarmas of India pioneered it. Coincidentally, this also becomes the birthday of Rsi/Silpi Visvakarma. So Indians in the past celebrated this day of many illustrious conjunctions as an occasion to honor Vishwakarma and his descendants.
Nelson Hindu Law, Page 139-140 states - "The refusal of many castes in ancient times to accept the Brahmins as their pastors and masters would seem to have bred a hereditary feud between castes. The origin and history of the feud at present are wholly unknown but it seem to me to be not improbable that the feud sprang from rivalries and contentions between the supporters and adherents of Brahmins on one hand and those of the goldsmiths and other artificers on the other hand. In south of India the goldsmith’s appear to have strenuously resisted the aggressive supremacy of Brahmans and have, for ages, claimed for themselves the right to be priests and spiritual guides styling themselves as Acharyas (religious teacher) by wearing the sacred thread.
Meharban, a British collector, in his book ‘Bombay Gazetteer’ states in Solapur Vol XX page 125: "Panchals are composed of five classes: goldsmiths, bronzesmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters and masons. They consider themselves equals, if not superior, to the local Brahmins. Their family priests, who are members of their own community, are held in high respect. They gird their boys with the sacred thread at the age of seven to nine years. A feast called the Brahmins' feast or Brahma Bhojan is held where kith and kin and members of the caste are invited."


==Distribution==
==Architectural wonders==


===Kerala===
Hindu scriptures describe many of Vishwakarma's architectural accomplishments.
Vishwakarmas of Kerala are also known as Achary, Kammalar, or Viswa Brahmanar. They exist in Tamil in two communities: one Tamil (primarily in Travancore), one Malayali. They are classified into five sub-castes:
Thachan/Marayasari/Tachu-āshāri (carpenters)
Shilpi/Kallassari/Kalla-āshari (masons, sculptors, potters)
Moosari/Mooshary (bronzesmiths)
Kollān/Karuvan (blacksmiths)
Thattan/Tattān (goldsmiths)
A legendary carpenter of the Kerala Vishwakarma, Perunthachan, figures prominently in Kerala folklore.
In ], the Vishwakarma community is also known as Acharyar, Achary, Kammalar, or Viswa Brahmanar.<ref name="ker">{{Cite book|last=Thurston|first=Edgar|coauthors=K. Rangachari|title=Castes and tribes of Southern India, |volume=Volume 3|pages=126–129}}</ref> They exist in Tamil in two communities: one Tamil (primarily in ]), one Malayali.<ref name="Iyer1968">{{cite book|last=Iyer|first=L. A. Krishna|title=Social history of Kerala|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=UU5DAAAAYAAJ|accessdate=16 January 2012|year=1968|publisher=Book Centre|page=6|quote=The Kammalars are divided into two classes, the Tamil Kammalar and the Malayali Kammalar.}}</ref>


===Tamil Nadu and Sree Lanka===
Through the four ] (aeons of Hindu mythology), he had built several towns and palaces for the ]. Among them were, in chronological order, ] (Heaven) in the '''Satya Yuga''', ] in the '''Treta Yuga''', and Dwarka (Krishna's capital) in the '''Dwapara Yuga'''.


Vishvabrahmins or Kamaalar or Aachari or Aasaari in Tamil Nadu form several occupational subdivisions.
===Lanka : The City Of Gold===
Assari, Swarna Shilpis (goldsmiths) (surnames Pathar, Assari, Arkachari/Arkachary,in some areas in Tamil Nadu, Srilanka, especially around Thanjavur, Kumbakonam in India and Mattakalapu (Batticalo), Nachimarkovil (Jaffna) in Sri Lanka.
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2012}}
Kamsya Shilpis (silver and bronze smiths)
According to ''Ramayana'', 'Sone ki Lanka' or Golden ] was ruled by Ravana during the Treta yuga. This is also the city where Ravana held Sita hostage. It is said that when Lord Shiva married Parvati, he asked Viswakarma to build a beautiful palace for them to reside in. Vishwakarma built a palace made of gold. For the housewarming ceremony, Shiva invited the wise Pulastya rishi (The Grandfather of Kuber and also Ravana) to perform the "Grihapravesh" ritual. After the sacred ceremony when Shiva asked Pulastya rishi to ask anything in return as "]", ], overwhelmed with the beauty and grandeur of the palace, asked Shiva for the golden palace itself. Shiva was obliged to accede to ]'s wish, and the Golden Lanka became his grandson ]'s palace. Ravana who was born and brought up in South India banished his half-brother, ]. The city of gold is said to have fallen into Ravanas hands when he overthrew his half brother Kuber.
Ayo Shilpis (ironsmiths)
Daru Shilpis (carpenters)
Rathi Shilpis (stonemasons)
A number of prominent temples in Tamil Nadu were built by this community. Vishwabrahmins of Tamil Nadu engaged in Veda Adyayaana has shown their Vedic cognizance on numerous occasions. The Vishwakarma Peetham at Arunachalam, Thiruvannamalai dates back to 1500 years, and jagadguru sri. Adishivalinga acharya guruswamigal is the jagatguru for this peetham.
In ], Tamil achari or asari are known as 'Tamil Kammalars' They were goldsmith, and landlords.<ref name="Ramaswamy2007"/>.


===Dwarka=== ===Karnataka===
The Vishwakarma caste of south ], who is composed of several sub-castes.<ref name="gold">{{Cite book|last=Heesterman|first=J. C.|coauthors=A. W. van den Hoek, D. H. A. Kolff|others=M. S. Oort|title=Ritual, state, and history in South Asia: essays in honour of J.C. Heesterman |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=EtwtSZwyWpgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Ritual,+state,+and+history+in+South+Asia:+essays+in+honour+of+J.C.+Heesterman&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vOW_UZ3SFKrE4AOQmYDgDQ&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA|pages=442–455|chapter=Goldsmiths of Karnataka}}</ref>
] king ] on the throne]]
* Kulachars/ aachar
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2012}}
*Shiv achars/acharya
Viswakarma is also supposed to have built ] overnight.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Loves of Krishna in Indian Painting and Poetry |first=W. G. |last=Archer |publisher=Echo Library |year=2007 |isbn=1406825409, 9781406825404 |page=44 }}</ref> During the time of the ], ] is said to have lived in Dwarka, and made it his "Karma Bhumi" (center of operation). This land now located in today's ] has become a well known pilgrimage for the Hindus.
*Uttaradi goldsmiths
*Matachar founders
*Muddekammaras
*Doddamanes<ref name="gold" />
*Chikkamanes


Most of these sub-castes do not intermarry and have a hierarchy among themselves.<ref name="gold" /> All the above sub caste is varied according to various regions of Karnataka. All the sub-castes worships the goddess ], they are very similar to ]s in their ritual practices but few of them are non-vegetarians.<ref name="gold" />.As some other Brahmin community eat Fish addressing it as "Jala Pushpam" (Flower from water).A small Sub-Caste in Koadgu called as Airi are also Vishwakarmas who came from Malabar region. Earlier they were goldsmiths, carpenters, blacksmiths and sculptors. They are non-vegetarians who follow customs and traditions of Kodagu.
==See also==
The very ancient (14th century) and famous Sri Kali Temple situated at Shirasangi in Belgaum distirct maintained by the Viswakarma Brahmin community.
* ]
The Sankruthi Sahiti Prathishtana is a prominent organization from Karnataka working to bring the Vishwabrahmins back to a Vedic life style. G. Gnanananda, is running this organization and started Brahmshri shilpa gurukulam affiliated with Bangalore University at Chikballapur.
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


===Andhra Pradesh===
==Notes==
In Andhra Pradesh, Vishwakarmas are called Vishwabrahmins or Vishwakarma Brahmins. The Vishwakarmas, apart from the five traditional occupations, are also engaged in veda adhyanam. Many eminent Vishwakarma purohits have been felicitated by Government of Andhra Pradesh in honor of their excellence in the veda adhyayana. One of the oldest vedic schools of Andhra Pradesh, Yalavarti Anjaneya Shastri Veda Pathashala, in Tenali, founded in 1893, belongs to Vishwabrahmins and has produced thousands of vedic purohits and another vedic school, Patnala sanyasi rao Veda Pathashala, at Brahmam gari matham, Kadapa, has produced hundreds of vedic purohits by providing free food and accommodation.
{{reflist|2}}
Vishwabrahmins craftsmanship can be seen in the temples like Kalahasthi, Tirupathi, Srisailam, Lepakshi, Amaravathi, Warangal 1000 pillars temple, Alampur, Arasavilli, Bhadrachalam and Ramappa temple.
=={{anchor|Prominent personalities of SC and ST communities}}Notable members==
At Brahmam gari matham in Kadapa District, AP Sri Patnala Sanyasi Rao Garu constructed Navaratna Mandapam.Large numbers of Vishwabrahmin members are found in this state.{{cn|date=June 2013}}
* ]: Jurist, political leader, writer, father of Indian Constitution
* ]: Tenth ]
* ]: Former Deputy Prime Minister of India
* ]: Former Chief Justice of India, chairman of national human rights commission
* ]: Former MP, Governor of Kerela and Bihar
*Raj Kumar Verka: ] Amritsar, vice-chairman National Commission for SC/ST, Govt. of India
* ]: ] for Home Affairs
* ]: Former Chief Minister of ]
* ]: Indian independence advocate and tribal leader
* ] (1921–1972): First ] chief minister of a state and first dalit president of the ]
* ]: Founder of ]
* ]: Dalit ]
* ]: Former Chief Minister of ] state
* ]: Judge, Madras High Court and High Court of Andhra Pradesh
* ]: President of the ]
* ]: Former President of ] (BJP)
* ]: Member of the seventh and eighth Parliaments
* ]: Cricketer who played in 44 test matches for India
* ]: Music director, instrumentalist and composer
* ]: Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
* ]: Leader of the Legislative Assembly, AP
* ]: MLA
* ] (Janumala John Prakasa Rao): Bollywood comedian, born in Vusullapalli (near ], ], AP)
* ] ("Pichha kottudu sudhakar"): Comedian, Tollywood character actor
* ] (1918–1992): First dalit university vice-chancellor (Andhra University, 1968–74)
* ]: MP of the sixth Lok Sabha; member of ] serving Ghatampur (UP) Lok Sabha constituency
* ]: Chairman, National Commission for SC/ST


==See also== ===Madhya pradesh===
Vishwakarma Brahmins have a large presence in Madhya Pradesh. When the British founded the defense industry during the World War, lakhs of Vishwakarma Brahmins took employment in these factories. There is a legend that during the 1857 Indian uprising, the English noticed that the Rani of Jhansi was provided with arms and ammunition by the Vishwakarmas, who had achieved excellence in this field. Therefore when the arms and ammunition factory and the gun carriage factory was started by the English at Jubbalpore, the Vishwakarms were the first to get employment in these factories.
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


===Gujarat===
Main article: ]
Some of the profession practiced by ] and related last names are given below:
Carpentry: Gurjar Sutar (aka Suthar). The common last names in use are Panchal, Suthar, Mistry, Wadia, Pitroda, Sanghadia, Gajjar, Soni, Prajapati, Vaishya, Pancholi
Gold Smith : Soni
Stone-smith: known as Kadia
Blacksmith: known as Luhar with last names Panchal, Luhar, Sheth.
Sompuras: Related with construction of temples, wood and stone carving,
Panchals catered to the needs of chariots, horse carriages, furniture, home construction and agricultural equipment. The entrepreneurial Panchals developed designs and manufactured various parts, assemblies and sub-assemblies for cotton textile mills. They have been engaged in production of bobbins, shuttles, lattices, weaving looms and ancillary items of equipment for dyeing and bleaching, weaving looms, drilling rigs, water pumps, lathe machine, drilling machines and hand tools. With industrialization, Panchals adopted technical professions such as draughtsman, design engineer, architects, and shop floor and construction supervisors.


===Maharashtra===
Vishwakarmas are widely spread in Maharashtra as Lohar, Kasar, Sutar, Tambat, and Patharwat (stone-smiths).


===Goa and Konkan===
==References==
In the state of Goa and Konkan, Vishvakarmas are known as Charis who call themselves Vishwakarma Manu Maya Brahmins. Other artisan castes do not claim Vishvakarma status. Many artisans were converted and few immigrated during the Portuguese rule. Many who settled in Karnataka were temple builders and are called Gudigars. Others of the Shtapathis were converted and are now sometimes called Thavvayi in Konkani, which is a corrupted form of Sanskrit Sthapati.
* Achary, Subramanian Matathinkal (1995): ''Visvakarmajar Rigvedathil'', Sawraj Printing and Publishing Company, Aluva.
* Coomaraswamy, Ananda K. (1979): ''Medieval Sinhalese Art'', Pantheon Books Inc., New York.
* ] (1899).
* Pattanaik, Devdutt (2009). ''7 Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art''. Westland, India. ISBN 978-81-89975-67-8.
* Indian philosophy and religion by Bibhu/Minakshi Padhi


==Further reading== ===Rajasthan===
In Rajasthan, the Vishwakarmas are also known as Jangids and Suthar.
* {{Cite book
| last= Raina
| first= M. K.
| year= 1999
| contribution= The Divine Creativity: The Mythical Paradigm and Lord Visvakarma
| editor-last= Stein
| editor-first= M. I.
| title= Creativity's Global Correspondents - 1999
| publisher= Winslow Press
| place = Florida
| pages=75–82.
| url=http://www.amcreativityassoc.org/ACA%20Press/Global%20Correspondents/Global_1999.pdf
}}


==External links== ===Bengal===
Vishwakarmas in the state of Bengal have the last name of Kar or Karmakar.
sriviratvishwakarma.jimdo.com


===Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Bihar===
]
Vishwakarmas in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, ,] and Bihar have the surname of Vishwakarma, Panchal, Sharma, Mistry, Dhiman, Jangid, Taak, Kaushik, Lohar etc title. Panchal (ironsmith) and Mistry (house-builder) also known as Badhi or Badhai (carpenter).
]

]
===Orissa===
]
In the state of Orissa, Vishwakarma Brahmins have the following surnames: Moharana (this title used by all Viswakarmas), Mohapatra (only Mayas - Kastakars), Ojha (only Manu -Lauhakars)e.g. cricketer Pragyan Ojha, Sutar (only Maya -Kastakars), Sahu (Maya -Kastakars & Viswajna -Swarnkars), Parida (Maya -Kastakar and Manu -Lauhakars), Choudhry (Only Maya -Kastakars), Karamkar (Maya and Viswanja), Das (Maya -Kastakars), Bindhani/Achary (Maya -Kastakars), Badhei (Maya -Kastakars), Mistry (Maya -Kastakars & Manu -Lauhakars), Mishra (Maya-Kastakars), Subudhi (Maya -Kastakars) and Martha (Maya -Kastakars), Mishra, Senapati, Behera.
]

===North India ===
In Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, the Vishwakarmas are also known as Vishwbrahmin.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Kumar Suresh|coauthors=B. K. Lavanta|others=Dipak Kumar Samanta, Sushil Kumar Mandal, N. N. Vyas,|title=Rajasthan, |publisher= Anthropological Survey of India|volume=Volume 2 |pages=201}}</ref>

==Diet==
Vishwakarmas in North and South India are strict vegetarians and practice complete abstinence from liquor and follow a strict ] diet.<ref name="Mukherjee1978">{{cite book|author=Meera Mukherjee|title=Metalcraftsmen of India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=QxkEAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=18 June 2013|year=1978|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India, Government of India|pages=60, 62, 124}}</ref><ref name="ManoharShah1996">{{cite book|author1=Aashi Manohar|author2=Shampa Shah|title=Tribal arts and crafts of Madhya Pradesh|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=poDWAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=18 June 2013|year=1996|publisher=Mapin Publishing|isbn=978-0-944142-71-4|page=29}}</ref>

==Notables==
*] - engineer of Devas.
*] - engineer of Asuras, father of Mandodari.
*] - a Siddha who made the Muruga idol in Pazhani.
*] -(Guru of great Marathi saint Namadev).
*]-(Two brother saint from Maharashtra).
*]-(Great saint from Maharashtra who believed to live for 1400 years).
*]-(Famous saint from Maharashtra, India).
*]-(AP, India. He is considered as Indian Nostradamous).
*]-(Ap.India.It is believed that from the past 100 years he is still in tapasya in Nallamala Hills, India).
*].
*]( From Andhra Pradesh).
*]-( She is grand daughter of Veera Brahmam garu).
*]-( He is From Andhra pradesh).
*] - ( He is from Andhra pradesh).
*]- (Great saint from AP).
*].
*].
*].
*].
*].
*].
*] - saint-poet who was an ardent devotee of Venkateswara, and wrote many songs about him.
*] - As per Shankar Vijaya, Shankara sang ''I am a decendent of Twashter, ... I am a Brahmin of the Vishwakarma Caste''.<ref>{{cite book
| authors = Andhra Historical Research Society, Rajahmundry, Madras, Andhra Historical Research Society
| title = Journal of the Andhra Historical Society, Volumes 14-17\
| publisher = Andhra Historical Research Society., 1953
| url = http://books.google.com/books?id=gVNdhHtG134C&q=Journal+of+the+Andhra+Historical+Society,+Volumes+14-17&dq=Journal+of+the+Andhra+Historical+Society,+Volumes+14-17&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8-a_UcnIFJHB4AOApoDgDw&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAA
| page=161}} </ref>
*] - He is one of the Ashtadiggajas of Sree Krishnadevaraya dynasty. He has authored one of te great books of Telugu language NIRANKUSHOPAKHYANAM.
*].
*] - Legendary writer Currently in USA.
*] - (The fourth pillar of Buddhism - Harsha belonged to the Vaishya caste. In Bengal, Vishwakarmas are classified as Vaishya and have the surname Kar.)
*] - A well known Bengali writer and novelist and winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975.
*] - A legendary sculptor credited with building many fine temples for the Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoysalas, including the famous sculptures at Belur and Halebidu.
*] - (Vishwakarma Brahmins have Maharana as their last name in Orissa State. Bisu Maharana Is the prathana Shilpacharya of the world heritage temple KONARK).
*] - (Any one from telangana area of Andhra pradesh would have heard Ramappa. The Siva temple sculpted in 12th century is called as Ramappa temple).
*] - (Famous artist who has created the statue of Swami Vivekananda at Kanya Kumari).
*] - (A great living sage who is translating The Pranava Veda and has built the Thiruvalluvar Statue of kanyakumari).
*] - ( He is a living legend in AP author of MAYA VAASTHU book).
*] - ( He is a well renowned vaasthu sidd

===Books on history of Vishwabrahmins===
*Roberts, A.E. (1909). Visvakarma and his descendants. Calcutta: All-India Vishvakarma Brahman Mahasabha.
*Dr. Gnanananda, G. (Ed.) (1981). Sri Visvakarmayaya bhushanam (Kannada) original by K.P. Dixit (1878). KGF: *Jnana Bhandara.Kashyapa Shilpa Shastram,Brahmeeya Chitra Karma Shastram.
*Sharma, A.S. (1989). Visvakarma Smaj ka sankshipt itihas (Short history of Vishvakarma Society). New Delhi: Visvakarma Institute of Research and Education.
*Chinmayacharya, K. (2002), Devudu Manavudu, East Godavari.: Ramesh Kumar, K.
*Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र In Marathi). It was written on Shake 1165 that is more than 700 years back & was published by B.S. Sutar (Igatpuri, Nasik 1906).
*Vaddepati Niranjana Shastry. Vishwakarma Brahmana Vamshagamamu. Lang.: Telugu.
*Swarna Subramanya Kavi. Vishwabrahmanulaku Prathama Satkara Arhatha. Lang.: Telugu.
*Phanidapu Prabhakara Sharma. Vishwabrahmana Gothra Gayathri. Lang.: Telugu.
*Bharatiya Viswakarmajar:Edava Somanathan:Analytical study of the Indus Valley Civilisation
*Vishwabramma Puranam: V.Kathiresan Achari: The history of Vishwabrahmins: Lang: Tamil
*V. N. Gajandran chennai Viswabrama vamsham,gothram,puranam lang Tamil
*"Pancha Manushya Moola Varga Njanam" Compiled in Malayalam by 'A.K.V.Suvarnakar' (A.K.Velayudhan),Kannankulangara, Thrissur 680007, Kerala

===References===
^ Russell, R.V. and Lai, R.B.H., The tribes and castes of the Central Provinces of India, Asian Educational Services, 1995, ISBN 81-206-0833-X
^ a b Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, Indian Craftsman, Probsthain & co., 1909
^ Krishna, Rao M.V., Govardhana, Rao M., Jeevanna, Rao K., Glimpses of Karnataka, Reception Committee, 65th Session, Indian National Congress, 1960
^ Ernest B. Havell, The history of Aryan rule in India, from the earliest times to the death of Akbar, K.M.N. Publishers; (distributors: Atma Ram, Delhi), 1972, ASIN: B0006C8DA6
^ Hastings, James. Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics. Part 18. pp. 559.
^ Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Part 18 By James Hastings. ISBN 0766136957, 9780766136953, Google Books preview link
^ Thurston, Edgar; K. Rangachari. Castes and tribes of Southern India,. Volume 3. pp. 126–129.
^ http://books.google.com/books?id=UU5DAAAAYAAJ&q=tamil+kammalar&dq=tamil+kammalar&hl=en&ei=qpWETp6WFan50gG6w_XDDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA The Kammalars are divided into two classes, the Tamil Kammalar and the Malayali Kammalar.
^ http://books.google.com/books?id=H4q0DHGMcjEC&pg=PA107&dq=kammalar+five&hl=en&ei=XZaEToTuEMbk0QGyvuHPDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=kammalar%20five&f=false
^ http://books.google.com/books?id=5_qAAAAAMAAJ&q=Perunthachan+kerala&dq=Perunthachan+kerala&hl=en&ei=NZWETsSNH-nL0QGnlfXcDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA
^ a b c d Heesterman, J. C.; A. W. van den Hoek, D. H. A. Kolff. "Goldsmiths of Karnataka". Ritual, state, and history in South Asia: essays in honour of J.C. Heesterman. M. S. Oort. pp. 442–455.
^ http://books.google.com/books?id=hRZK3mG5hgoC&pg=PA155&dq=nepal+lohar&hl=en&ei=zZuETqWvEcXn0QH5gpXZDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=nepal%20lohar&f=false
^ Sinai Dhume, Anant Ramkrishna (1986). The cultural history of Goa from 10000 B.C.-1352 A.D.. Ramesh Anant S. Dhume, 1986. p. 37.
^ Singh, Kumar Suresh; B. K. Lavanta. Rajasthan,. Volume 2. Dipak Kumar Samanta, Sushil Kumar Mandal, N. N. Vyas,. Anthropological Survey of India. pp. 201.
The Tribes & Caste of Bombay, Enthoven
Shree Scanda Puran (Sayadri Khandha)-Ed. Dr. Jarson D. Kunha, Marathi version Ed. By Gajanan shastri Gaytonde. Published by Shree Katyani Publication, Mumbai.
Gomantak Prakrity & sanskriti -B. D. Satoskar. Shubhada Publication

Revision as of 11:29, 23 June 2013

For the architect of the gods, see Vishwakarma.

The Vishwakarma (or Viśvákarma) caste, known within the group as the Vishwa Brahmins is an Indian caste of priests, teachers, engineers, architects, sculptors, temple builders and artists.All marvellous and beautiful buildings including temples , idols , palaces , Monuments , forts etc etc are the wonderful creations of this blessed community.

It includes five sub-castes: carpenters, blacksmiths, coppersmiths, goldsmiths and sculptors or sthapathi. They identify themselves with the pancha jana ("five peoples") of the legendary Vedic period: Rathakara, Karmakara, Thakshaka, Kumbhakara, and NishadaSthapathies) and worship various forms of Viswakarma. The caste is associated with the placing of the holy sacrificial fire in the yajna kunda.Vishwa Brahmin, Vishwakarma, Tarkhan


Origin

According to traditional belief, Vishwakarma are descended from five sons of lord Vishwakarma: Manu, Maya, Twashtha, Silpi, and Vishwajnya. The community is spread widely throughout India and played a vital role in the village economy. Their socioeconomic status varied from a very high level to the low level in different parts of India, as they earned high wages in towns because of their factory employment and low wages in villages. About Vishwabrahmins, Ananda K. Coomaraswamy says "the Kammalar (i.e. Panchal) were known as Vishwa or Dev Brahmana. They spread gradually towards the south and then reached Ceylon, Burma & Java. The Vishwabrahmins claim to have been the spiritual guides and priests and their position in the society survives in the saying the 'Vishwabrahmana is guru to the world'". They also perform priestly rites in connection with consecration of images. They both claim and possess various special privileges, which they always upheld with much vigour, He also mentions "throughout the rest of ceremony all priest officers had been performed by the craftsman themselves acting as Brahman priest". Dr. Krishna Rao says, "The most highly organized & efficient of the industrial classes was Virpanchal comprising Goldsmiths, coiner blacksmiths, carpenters and masons. In the finest period of Indian art, particularly between eighth and ninth century, they claimed and enjoyed a social status in the community, equal to Brahmans. The art of engraving & sculpture had attained a high stage of development. It was exclusively cultivated by Panchals who wore sacred thread & considered themselves as Vishwakarma Brahmans. The craftsman being deeply versed in national epic literature always figured in the history of India as missionaries of civilization, culture & religion. The intellectual influence being creative & not merely assimilative was at least as great as that of the priest and the author". Panchal are known as the missionaries of civilization, culture and religion because they spread the Hindu religion to the whole world through their art, which included stone and ceramics, musical instruments, religious statuary, and metal-work. Ernest B. Havell says, “The northern quarter of (Patliputra) was assigned to Brahmans and certain of the higher craftsman such as the armorers, ironsmiths and workers in precious stones. The association of skilled craftsmen with the Brahman and the Kshatriya castes is additional evidence that craftsmanship did not hold an inferior status in Indo Aryan society." The stapathi or master builder is described in the Shilpa Shastra as officiating at religious ceremonies which preceded the laying out of the Indo Aryan town or village and some of the metal workers and carpenters of the south of India still retains as their caste indication the name Acharya which denotes a teacher of religion. The Vedic lineage made them to create their own priesthood within their community. They wear five layer sacred thread while engage in creative works (yajna) and at time of marriage and funeral. However because of Chathurvarnya in the medieval period, their social status which was previously equal to that of the Brahmins had gone down. Brahmin political manoeuvrings diminished the social status of the Vishwakarma, though they fought against this Brahmin superiority.

Rishis and gotras

Vishvakarma created five prajapathies — from his five faces such as sadyojatham, vamadevam, akhoram, isanam, oordham . They are Manu, Maya, Twosta, Silpy, Viswajna and their respective Rishis (gotras) are,

  • Sanaga Brahma Rishi
  • Sanaathana Brahma Rishi
  • Abhuvanasa Brahma Rishi
  • Prathnasa Brahma Rishi
  • Suparnasa Brahma Rishi
Vishwakarma acharya are divided into five gotras (or clans); each rishi's name is mentioned in the Yajurveda(4.3.3).

In later puranas he is sometimes identified with vedic Tvastr. Silpi Vishwakarma is the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons and divine attributes. Vishwakarma/Tvostar is also credited with creating the missiles used in the mythological era, including the Vajra, the sacred weapon of Lord Indra, from the bones of sage Dadhichi. He is regarded as the supreme worker, the very essence of excellence and quality in craftsmanship. In Mahabharata and Harivamsa, Viswakarma is the son of Vasu Prabhasa and Yoga-siddha. The Mahabharata describes him as "The Lord of the Arts, Executor of a thousand Handicrafts, the Carpenter of the Gods, the most eminent of Artisans, the Fashioner of all ornaments ... and a great architect God..." In paintings he wears a crown and a large amount of gold jewelry and holds a water-pot, a book, a noose, and craftsman's tools in his hands. In some other Puranas he is the father of Barhishmatî and Samjna. The Ramayana represents him as having built the island-city of Lanka for the Shiva, and as having generated the ape Nala, who made Rama's bridge from the continent to the island.

Subdivisions

The caste consists of five sub-castes: carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, brass smiths, and goldsmiths.

Panchal Movement to Reclaim Brahminical Right

"Panchals have the Brahmanic sanskars, or sacraments, and perform their ceremonies according to the Vedic Ritual. Frequent attempts were made in the days preceding British rule to deny them the rights to these Brahmanic privileges; but when the decision of pandits, or religious advisers when referred to, was in their favor." - James Hastings Though the Panchals, also known as VishwaBrahmins, held great importance in olden times, some Brahmins refused to accept Panchals as being Brahmins. This refusal led to a feud between the two groups. During Peshwa Brahminical rule, the Panchals suffered much. The Panchals were not even allowed to tie the dhoti - a cloth worn between legs and around the waist - a mark of Brahminical rank. The Peshwas belonged to the Chitpavan Brahmin caste and were actually late migrants to India, having arrived from the Middle East and Central Asia. The Peshwas competed with the Panchals, who saw themselves as being the original Brahmins and first builders of the Aryan Vedic civilization. Nelson Hindu Law, Page 139-140 states - "The refusal of many castes in ancient times to accept the Brahmins as their pastors and masters would seem to have bred a hereditary feud between castes. The origin and history of the feud at present are wholly unknown but it seem to me to be not improbable that the feud sprang from rivalries and contentions between the supporters and adherents of Brahmins on one hand and those of the goldsmiths and other artificers on the other hand. In south of India the goldsmith’s appear to have strenuously resisted the aggressive supremacy of Brahmans and have, for ages, claimed for themselves the right to be priests and spiritual guides styling themselves as Acharyas (religious teacher) by wearing the sacred thread. Meharban, a British collector, in his book ‘Bombay Gazetteer’ states in Solapur Vol XX page 125: "Panchals are composed of five classes: goldsmiths, bronzesmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters and masons. They consider themselves equals, if not superior, to the local Brahmins. Their family priests, who are members of their own community, are held in high respect. They gird their boys with the sacred thread at the age of seven to nine years. A feast called the Brahmins' feast or Brahma Bhojan is held where kith and kin and members of the caste are invited."

Distribution

Kerala

Vishwakarmas of Kerala are also known as Achary, Kammalar, or Viswa Brahmanar. They exist in Tamil in two communities: one Tamil (primarily in Travancore), one Malayali. They are classified into five sub-castes: Thachan/Marayasari/Tachu-āshāri (carpenters) Shilpi/Kallassari/Kalla-āshari (masons, sculptors, potters) Moosari/Mooshary (bronzesmiths) Kollān/Karuvan (blacksmiths) Thattan/Tattān (goldsmiths) A legendary carpenter of the Kerala Vishwakarma, Perunthachan, figures prominently in Kerala folklore. In Kerala, the Vishwakarma community is also known as Acharyar, Achary, Kammalar, or Viswa Brahmanar. They exist in Tamil in two communities: one Tamil (primarily in Travancore), one Malayali.

Tamil Nadu and Sree Lanka

Vishvabrahmins or Kamaalar or Aachari or Aasaari in Tamil Nadu form several occupational subdivisions. Assari, Swarna Shilpis (goldsmiths) (surnames Pathar, Assari, Arkachari/Arkachary,in some areas in Tamil Nadu, Srilanka, especially around Thanjavur, Kumbakonam in India and Mattakalapu (Batticalo), Nachimarkovil (Jaffna) in Sri Lanka. Kamsya Shilpis (silver and bronze smiths) Ayo Shilpis (ironsmiths) Daru Shilpis (carpenters) Rathi Shilpis (stonemasons) A number of prominent temples in Tamil Nadu were built by this community. Vishwabrahmins of Tamil Nadu engaged in Veda Adyayaana has shown their Vedic cognizance on numerous occasions. The Vishwakarma Peetham at Arunachalam, Thiruvannamalai dates back to 1500 years, and jagadguru sri. Adishivalinga acharya guruswamigal is the jagatguru for this peetham. In Tamil Nadu, Tamil achari or asari are known as 'Tamil Kammalars' They were goldsmith, and landlords..

Karnataka

The Vishwakarma caste of south Karnataka, who is composed of several sub-castes.

  • Kulachars/ aachar
  • Shiv achars/acharya
  • Uttaradi goldsmiths
  • Matachar founders
  • Muddekammaras
  • Doddamanes
  • Chikkamanes

Most of these sub-castes do not intermarry and have a hierarchy among themselves. All the above sub caste is varied according to various regions of Karnataka. All the sub-castes worships the goddess Kali, they are very similar to Brahmins in their ritual practices but few of them are non-vegetarians..As some other Brahmin community eat Fish addressing it as "Jala Pushpam" (Flower from water).A small Sub-Caste in Koadgu called as Airi are also Vishwakarmas who came from Malabar region. Earlier they were goldsmiths, carpenters, blacksmiths and sculptors. They are non-vegetarians who follow customs and traditions of Kodagu. The very ancient (14th century) and famous Sri Kali Temple situated at Shirasangi in Belgaum distirct maintained by the Viswakarma Brahmin community. The Sankruthi Sahiti Prathishtana is a prominent organization from Karnataka working to bring the Vishwabrahmins back to a Vedic life style. G. Gnanananda, is running this organization and started Brahmshri shilpa gurukulam affiliated with Bangalore University at Chikballapur.

Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, Vishwakarmas are called Vishwabrahmins or Vishwakarma Brahmins. The Vishwakarmas, apart from the five traditional occupations, are also engaged in veda adhyanam. Many eminent Vishwakarma purohits have been felicitated by Government of Andhra Pradesh in honor of their excellence in the veda adhyayana. One of the oldest vedic schools of Andhra Pradesh, Yalavarti Anjaneya Shastri Veda Pathashala, in Tenali, founded in 1893, belongs to Vishwabrahmins and has produced thousands of vedic purohits and another vedic school, Patnala sanyasi rao Veda Pathashala, at Brahmam gari matham, Kadapa, has produced hundreds of vedic purohits by providing free food and accommodation. Vishwabrahmins craftsmanship can be seen in the temples like Kalahasthi, Tirupathi, Srisailam, Lepakshi, Amaravathi, Warangal 1000 pillars temple, Alampur, Arasavilli, Bhadrachalam and Ramappa temple. At Brahmam gari matham in Kadapa District, AP Sri Patnala Sanyasi Rao Garu constructed Navaratna Mandapam.Large numbers of Vishwabrahmin members are found in this state.

Madhya pradesh

Vishwakarma Brahmins have a large presence in Madhya Pradesh. When the British founded the defense industry during the World War, lakhs of Vishwakarma Brahmins took employment in these factories. There is a legend that during the 1857 Indian uprising, the English noticed that the Rani of Jhansi was provided with arms and ammunition by the Vishwakarmas, who had achieved excellence in this field. Therefore when the arms and ammunition factory and the gun carriage factory was started by the English at Jubbalpore, the Vishwakarms were the first to get employment in these factories.

Gujarat

Main article: Panchal Some of the profession practiced by Panchals and related last names are given below: Carpentry: Gurjar Sutar (aka Suthar). The common last names in use are Panchal, Suthar, Mistry, Wadia, Pitroda, Sanghadia, Gajjar, Soni, Prajapati, Vaishya, Pancholi Gold Smith : Soni Stone-smith: known as Kadia Blacksmith: known as Luhar with last names Panchal, Luhar, Sheth. Sompuras: Related with construction of temples, wood and stone carving, Panchals catered to the needs of chariots, horse carriages, furniture, home construction and agricultural equipment. The entrepreneurial Panchals developed designs and manufactured various parts, assemblies and sub-assemblies for cotton textile mills. They have been engaged in production of bobbins, shuttles, lattices, weaving looms and ancillary items of equipment for dyeing and bleaching, weaving looms, drilling rigs, water pumps, lathe machine, drilling machines and hand tools. With industrialization, Panchals adopted technical professions such as draughtsman, design engineer, architects, and shop floor and construction supervisors.

Maharashtra

Vishwakarmas are widely spread in Maharashtra as Lohar, Kasar, Sutar, Tambat, and Patharwat (stone-smiths).

Goa and Konkan

In the state of Goa and Konkan, Vishvakarmas are known as Charis who call themselves Vishwakarma Manu Maya Brahmins. Other artisan castes do not claim Vishvakarma status. Many artisans were converted and few immigrated during the Portuguese rule. Many who settled in Karnataka were temple builders and are called Gudigars. Others of the Shtapathis were converted and are now sometimes called Thavvayi in Konkani, which is a corrupted form of Sanskrit Sthapati.

Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the Vishwakarmas are also known as Jangids and Suthar.

Bengal

Vishwakarmas in the state of Bengal have the last name of Kar or Karmakar.

Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Bihar

Vishwakarmas in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, ,] and Bihar have the surname of Vishwakarma, Panchal, Sharma, Mistry, Dhiman, Jangid, Taak, Kaushik, Lohar etc title. Panchal (ironsmith) and Mistry (house-builder) also known as Badhi or Badhai (carpenter).

Orissa

In the state of Orissa, Vishwakarma Brahmins have the following surnames: Moharana (this title used by all Viswakarmas), Mohapatra (only Mayas - Kastakars), Ojha (only Manu -Lauhakars)e.g. cricketer Pragyan Ojha, Sutar (only Maya -Kastakars), Sahu (Maya -Kastakars & Viswajna -Swarnkars), Parida (Maya -Kastakar and Manu -Lauhakars), Choudhry (Only Maya -Kastakars), Karamkar (Maya and Viswanja), Das (Maya -Kastakars), Bindhani/Achary (Maya -Kastakars), Badhei (Maya -Kastakars), Mistry (Maya -Kastakars & Manu -Lauhakars), Mishra (Maya-Kastakars), Subudhi (Maya -Kastakars) and Martha (Maya -Kastakars), Mishra, Senapati, Behera.

North India

In Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, the Vishwakarmas are also known as Vishwbrahmin.

Diet

Vishwakarmas in North and South India are strict vegetarians and practice complete abstinence from liquor and follow a strict vegetarian diet.

Notables

Books on history of Vishwabrahmins

  • Roberts, A.E. (1909). Visvakarma and his descendants. Calcutta: All-India Vishvakarma Brahman Mahasabha.
  • Dr. Gnanananda, G. (Ed.) (1981). Sri Visvakarmayaya bhushanam (Kannada) original by K.P. Dixit (1878). KGF: *Jnana Bhandara.Kashyapa Shilpa Shastram,Brahmeeya Chitra Karma Shastram.
  • Sharma, A.S. (1989). Visvakarma Smaj ka sankshipt itihas (Short history of Vishvakarma Society). New Delhi: Visvakarma Institute of Research and Education.
  • Chinmayacharya, K. (2002), Devudu Manavudu, East Godavari.: Ramesh Kumar, K.
  • Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र In Marathi). It was written on Shake 1165 that is more than 700 years back & was published by B.S. Sutar (Igatpuri, Nasik 1906).
  • Vaddepati Niranjana Shastry. Vishwakarma Brahmana Vamshagamamu. Lang.: Telugu.
  • Swarna Subramanya Kavi. Vishwabrahmanulaku Prathama Satkara Arhatha. Lang.: Telugu.
  • Phanidapu Prabhakara Sharma. Vishwabrahmana Gothra Gayathri. Lang.: Telugu.
  • Bharatiya Viswakarmajar:Edava Somanathan:Analytical study of the Indus Valley Civilisation
  • Vishwabramma Puranam: V.Kathiresan Achari: The history of Vishwabrahmins: Lang: Tamil
  • V. N. Gajandran chennai Viswabrama vamsham,gothram,puranam lang Tamil
  • "Pancha Manushya Moola Varga Njanam" Compiled in Malayalam by 'A.K.V.Suvarnakar' (A.K.Velayudhan),Kannankulangara, Thrissur 680007, Kerala

References

^ Russell, R.V. and Lai, R.B.H., The tribes and castes of the Central Provinces of India, Asian Educational Services, 1995, ISBN 81-206-0833-X ^ a b Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, Indian Craftsman, Probsthain & co., 1909 ^ Krishna, Rao M.V., Govardhana, Rao M., Jeevanna, Rao K., Glimpses of Karnataka, Reception Committee, 65th Session, Indian National Congress, 1960 ^ Ernest B. Havell, The history of Aryan rule in India, from the earliest times to the death of Akbar, K.M.N. Publishers; (distributors: Atma Ram, Delhi), 1972, ASIN: B0006C8DA6 ^ Hastings, James. Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics. Part 18. pp. 559. ^ Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Part 18 By James Hastings. ISBN 0766136957, 9780766136953, Google Books preview link ^ Thurston, Edgar; K. Rangachari. Castes and tribes of Southern India,. Volume 3. pp. 126–129. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=UU5DAAAAYAAJ&q=tamil+kammalar&dq=tamil+kammalar&hl=en&ei=qpWETp6WFan50gG6w_XDDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA The Kammalars are divided into two classes, the Tamil Kammalar and the Malayali Kammalar. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=H4q0DHGMcjEC&pg=PA107&dq=kammalar+five&hl=en&ei=XZaEToTuEMbk0QGyvuHPDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=kammalar%20five&f=false ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=5_qAAAAAMAAJ&q=Perunthachan+kerala&dq=Perunthachan+kerala&hl=en&ei=NZWETsSNH-nL0QGnlfXcDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA ^ a b c d Heesterman, J. C.; A. W. van den Hoek, D. H. A. Kolff. "Goldsmiths of Karnataka". Ritual, state, and history in South Asia: essays in honour of J.C. Heesterman. M. S. Oort. pp. 442–455. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=hRZK3mG5hgoC&pg=PA155&dq=nepal+lohar&hl=en&ei=zZuETqWvEcXn0QH5gpXZDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=nepal%20lohar&f=false ^ Sinai Dhume, Anant Ramkrishna (1986). The cultural history of Goa from 10000 B.C.-1352 A.D.. Ramesh Anant S. Dhume, 1986. p. 37. ^ Singh, Kumar Suresh; B. K. Lavanta. Rajasthan,. Volume 2. Dipak Kumar Samanta, Sushil Kumar Mandal, N. N. Vyas,. Anthropological Survey of India. pp. 201. The Tribes & Caste of Bombay, Enthoven Shree Scanda Puran (Sayadri Khandha)-Ed. Dr. Jarson D. Kunha, Marathi version Ed. By Gajanan shastri Gaytonde. Published by Shree Katyani Publication, Mumbai. Gomantak Prakrity & sanskriti -B. D. Satoskar. Shubhada Publication

  1. V. Annamalai Formation And Transformation Of Power In Rural India - 1996 Page 32 "They claim themselves to be desendants of five sons of Vishwakarma and hence style themselves as Viswa Brahmins.29 They have a caste association called Vishwakarma association. In the study area they are referred generally as 'Asaris'"- Page 72 "Like a few other castes, Hindu Asaris also have places of family deity which determines marriage alliances. Though locally they are called Asaris they come under the category of Kammalar Caste. The Hindu Asaris belong to Vishwakarma"
  2. Sociological Bulletin -1993 Volume 42 - Page 90 "The Vishwakarma Caste: Occupations The survey of all GPs of the four fieldwork blocks registered the number of Vishwakarma households and their occupations. Of the 865 Vishwakarma households in the four blocks, on an average 93 per ..."
  3. Ghurye, Govind Sadashiv (1950). Caste and class in India (Edition: 2 ed.). p. 53.
  4. Nārāyaṇaśastri Kṣirasāgara. "Three". विश्वब्रह्मकुलोत्साह;Vishwabrahmakulotsah (in Marāṭhī). p. 37.
  5. Macdonell, Arthur Anthony; Arthur Berriedale Keith. Vedic index of names and subjects. Volume 2. pp. 203, 204.
  6. Derrett, John Duncan Martin. Essays in Classical and Modern Hindu Law: Dharmaśāstra and related ideas. pp. 45, 46.
  7. Satish Saberwal Mobile Men: Limits to Social Change in Urban Punjab 1990 - Page 110 "22 This was perhaps one of the few caste mobility movements which took a more or less parallel course throughout the ... one of the Vishvakarma castes, to perform Brahminical ceremonies, or (ii) the relative caste status of "Viswa Brahmin," "
  8. Kashyap, Rangasami Laksminarayana (2003). Kr̥ṣṇayajurvedīya Taittirīya-saṃhitā. ISBN 8179940055. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  9. ^ Ramaswamy, Vijaya (2007). Historical dictionary of the Tamils. Scarecrow Press. pp. 107–108. ISBN 978-0-8108-5379-9. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  10. Thurston, Edgar. Castes and tribes of Southern India,. Vol. Volume 3. pp. 126–129. {{cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  11. Iyer, L. A. Krishna (1968). Social history of Kerala. Book Centre. p. 6. Retrieved 16 January 2012. The Kammalars are divided into two classes, the Tamil Kammalar and the Malayali Kammalar.
  12. ^ Heesterman, J. C. "Goldsmiths of Karnataka". Ritual, state, and history in South Asia: essays in honour of J.C. Heesterman. M. S. Oort. pp. 442–455. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  13. Singh, Kumar Suresh. Rajasthan,. Vol. Volume 2. Dipak Kumar Samanta, Sushil Kumar Mandal, N. N. Vyas,. Anthropological Survey of India. p. 201. {{cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  14. Meera Mukherjee (1978). Metalcraftsmen of India. Anthropological Survey of India, Government of India. pp. 60, 62, 124. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  15. Aashi Manohar; Shampa Shah (1996). Tribal arts and crafts of Madhya Pradesh. Mapin Publishing. p. 29. ISBN 978-0-944142-71-4. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  16. Journal of the Andhra Historical Society, Volumes 14-17\. Andhra Historical Research Society., 1953. p. 161. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help)